New scholarship created to support students engaged in social action

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association announces the creation of a new scholarship to support and uplift current UNC Charlotte students engaged in social action, racial justice and economic efforts within their communities.

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Scholarship for Social Justice provides annual support to returning undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, potential for academic success in their chosen program of study and a record of service or social action either at UNC Charlotte, in the greater Charlotte community or in their hometown.

"It is important to recognize and support our students that are working hard to increase social justice in our community," said Courtney Hunt ’18, president of the UNC Charlotte Young Alumni Chapter.

"Students who are marginalized because of the color of their skin, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and/or because they have a different belief system than the majority will have an opportunity to be valued and rewarded for speaking up and out about injustices for themselves and others," said Frenchie Brown ‘91, president-elect of the Alumni Board of Directors. "This scholarship is not being created for a moment in time; it will represent a movement for a lifetime of change."

Students interested in this new scholarship will be required to complete an interview as part of the application review process. While not automatically renewable, the Scholarship for Social Justice may be awarded to the same recipient more than one time. Each recipient will receive a minimum award of $1,500.

"The Alumni Association is committed to increasing diversity and outreach in meaningful ways for our alumni networks, our volunteers, our students and the University community at large," said Sallie Sistare, executive director of Alumni Affairs. "This scholarship provides the opportunity to promote the work our students are doing to create a more equitable, enriching and safe environment at UNC Charlotte and the community beyond the University."

"This scholarship shows that the University is listening to the feedback of students, alumni, faculty and staff," said Krista Manns ‘95, president of the Alumni Board of Directors. "Now more than ever, we must all remove our unconscious biases so that we are able to work together to make our community strong."

In support of the Scholarship for Social Justice, the UNC Charlotte Foundation Board is generously matching, dollar-for-dollar, gifts made to the scholarship fund up to $125,000.

To make a gift to the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association Scholarship for Social Justice, visit crowdfund.uncc.edu/socialjustice.